The United Arab Emirates has given a close attention to the manufacturing sector to reform the structure of its economy. By that, it changed the reliance on the “sole” petrochemical sector that is the basis of the GDP, and of the economic activities in the country.
In this regard, the UAE has developed multisectoral systems to induce income diversification ; laying the sound foundations for a strong economy. The focus on the industry sector set because, by international economic standards, this sector is a qualified one for development that helps provide the empowering factors for different industries such as adequate capitals, raw materials, energy, water, labor and other essential and required matters.
The choice of industries in the UAE varies in terms of complexity, investment, and employment. It goes from simple types such as the manufacture of wooden fishing boats and the drying of leather and fish, going to the most advanced ones such as oil refining, chlorine, and cement industries among many others.
However, the remarkable thing the industry witnessed during the past few years, is the trend towards expansions in areas requiring advanced expertise, skills, and techniques such as paper, packaging and converting. That led with time, to significant growth and rapid change ; doubling production capacities and profits, also raising per capita and economy figures.
Huge investments have been made to build new and big projects as governments encouraged entrepreneurs to build industrial units and supported investors by providing them with incentives, certificates, and sometimes awards, by facilitating and updating procedures and by securing basic resources such as energy, water, and natural gas.
Star Paper Mill in Abu Dhabi succeeded in grabbing these opportunities as discussed with the company’s Managing Director Mr. Majid Rasheed.
Also, in this issue, a section will be dedicated to Andritz and to its innovative Yankee service, to Heimbach and to its pioneering press felt and to Valmet and its portable iRoll technology.
Therefore, I leave you to discover the content of this issue, hoping you enjoy it.